Page 19 - 1913 May - To Dragma

176 TO DRAGMA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI

THE PAN-HELLENIC CONGRESS

For the benefit of our new sisters i n A l p h a Omicron Pi it is w e l l
for us to glance back to the beginnings of Pan-Hellenic l i f e .

I n 1892 a group o f college women attempted to f o r m an inter-
sorority conference, i n order to secure space to arrange a fraternity
exhibit at the World's Fair. A l l the fraternities were i n favor of it,
but for lack of active interest the plan did not develop.

Mrs. Margaret Mason Whitney, Michigan, Grand President of
A l p h a P h i 1900-02 re-opened the subject, and a call was sent out
f o r the first Intersorority Conference, which was held i n Chicago,
May 24th, 1902. I t was composed of six fraternities. I t has
gradually admitted other fraternities and at the present time there
are some eighteen which belong to it. I t has lived under various
names, first it was the Intersorority Conference, later it was called
the Pan-Hellenic Conference and now i t is know as the Pan-
Hellenic Congress.

Local Pan-Hellenic societies have been formed i n the various insti-
tutions where the fraternities are located which are represented in
the Congress.

The purpose of the Congress is manifold. I t endeavors to unite
the fraternities in closer and more friendly relationship. T o formu-
late rules so that each f r a t e r n i t y is honor bound to use the same
method in rushing and pledging. T o come to an understanding
as to the purpose of the individual f r a t e r n i t y . I t strives to impress
upon local Pan-Hellenic societies the necessity of suitable chaperones
for chapter houses. Much stress is laid on scholarship—not too
much however. I n a word the Pan-Hellenic Congress has not the
power of compulsory legislation. I t is advisory. A b i g sisterhood
standing together i n a helping attitude, to lend help and advise
where needed and when sought.

T h e Pan-Hellenic Congress has accomplished much f r o m the
view point of many. I t has proven that it is w o r t h while f o r repre-
sentatives of the different Greek Letter societies to meet and discuss
vital things pertaining to their fraternity life. To my mind its
greatest accomplishment is that i t has created an atmosphere. A n
atmosphere that w i l l become purer and sweeter and w i l l vitalize
fraternity life. T h i s atmosphere is not wholly ideal. I t is practical
and wholesome, stimulating better social life, quickening scholarship
and magnifying college spirit. These are vital things and lie at the
very heart of our college w o r l d , and a g i r l to be a good citizen of a
college must strive to improve herself in these virtues.

There is much criticism f r o m many college faculties and perhaps
in a measure this criticism is just. N o w it is in the hands of the